26 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



ovitis and septie infection in open joints. There is to be consid- 

 ered, however, the fact that the young animal is more agile, a 

 better self-nurse, and in a general way more apt to recover than 

 is the adnlt, under similar conditions. 



Rheumatic artJiritis, if one is justified in classifying rheumatic 

 inflammation of joints as a metastatic form of arthritis, is not 

 a common condition, though seen in mature and aged animals. 

 Cases that may be diagnosed with certainty are usually advanced 

 affections wherein dependable history is obtainable and the symp- 

 toms are well marked. 



Rheumatism may be thought of, with respect to arthritic in- 

 flammation caused thereby, as a sort of pyemia. Undoubtedly, 

 exposure to wet and cold weather is an active factor, l;)ut prob- 

 ably a predisposing one only. Likewise a member that suffers 

 from chronic inflammation due to recurrent injury or to con- 

 stant or repeated strain is less able to resist the vicissitudes of 

 climate and work. 



Consec[uentiy, rheumatic arthritis is to be seen affecting horses 

 that are in service, more often at heavy draft work Avhere they 

 are exposed to severe straining of joints; where stabling is in- 

 sanitary; and where they are obliged to lie down (if they do 

 not remain standing) upon cold and wet ground or upon hard 

 unbedded floors or paving. 



Where such inhumane and cruel treatment is given animals 

 those responsible ought to be impressed with the unfairness to 

 the animal as well as the economic loss occasioned by inflicting 

 such unnecessary and merciless treatment upon their helpless 

 and uncomplaining subjects. The very nature of the veteri- 

 narian's work affords liim constant and frequent opportunity to 

 convince those who are responsil^le for keeping animals in this 

 manner, that it is inhumane and un]irofita])]e. 



Cases of this kind are not uncommon about some grading and 

 lumbering camps and in contract work where, often, shelter for 

 animals is given little thought ; the result is a cruel waste of 

 horseflesh. 



Chronic articular rheumatism is occasionally observed in 

 young animals that have never been in service. In these cases 

 it seems tliat there exists an individual susceptibility and in 



